The DJI FPV is an all-in-one solution to first-person-view drones

DJI has launched a new type of FPV drone. A hybrid of a traditional first-person-view immersive flight experience from a traditional rig and a cinematic camera drone, their latest release also offers GPS, obstacle avoidance sensors, the ability to hover in place, brake in an emergency, and return home. An ADS-B receiver system is also included to alert pilots of manned aircraft nearby. The DJI FPV drone is ready to fly out of the box.

”DJI has been redefining what drones can do since our company began in 2006, and as we celebrate our 15-year anniversary this year, we honor that heritage of innovation by redefining what drone flight can be with DJI FPV,’ said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director, DJI Europe. ”Right out of the box, DJI FPV combines the best available technology for a hybrid drone like no other. It can fly like a racer, hover like a traditional drone, accelerate like a homebuilt project and stop faster than any of them. DJI FPV lets the world experience the absolute thrill of immersive drone flight without being intimidated by the technology or spending hours building a system from scratch. We can’t wait for the world to try it.’

A camera with a 1/2.3″ 12MP sensor with a 150º Field of View (FOV) is mounted on a 1-axis gimbal. It is capable of capturing up to 4K/60p or 1080p/120p, for 4X slow motion, footage at 120 Mbps. Both still and video clips can be captured in the same flight. DJI uses RockSteady electronic image stabilization to prevent a shutter rolling effect when the drone flies at high speeds.

DJI’s FPV ecosystem of products includes the drone, the remote controller 2, FPV Goggles V2, and a Motion Controller that allows the drone to mimic the movement of your hand. Pilots can view what the drone sees in near-real-time with a low-latency, high-definition digital feed through the goggles. The system being equipped with DJI’s OcuSync 3.0 technology. It allows for a 10km transmission range, dual-frequencies, and a bitrate of 50 Mbps.

The Motion Controller allows the drone to mimic your hand’s movements.

Here’s how you can view your FPV flight:

Standard low-latency HD mode: View your flight in 1440x810p in 60p with a wider 142° FOV or 50p with 150° FOV. In this mode, latency is as low as ≤ 40 milliseconds.
Smooth mode: pilots activate high frame rates for a more cinematic look to signal latency is decreased to ≤ 28 milliseconds. Resolution is 1440×810p 120 fps with a 142° FOV or 100 fps at 150° FOV.
Audience mode: Shares the pilot’s perspective by connecting up to eight additional goggle sets so even onlookers can experience the same flight.

DJI’s FPV drone was built with both seasoned and beginner pilots in mind. There are three different flight modes, depending on skill level.

Normal (N) Mode: N mode allows for pilots to operate will all obstacle detection sensors activated. It will automatically slow or halt the drone before it can collide with an object. In this mode, the maximum speed is 50 km/h (31 mph).

Sport (S) Mode: Between N and M mode, S mode offers some of the dynamic movement capabilities that come with M mode along with some of the key safety features of N mode. It will still hover in place but obstacle avoidance sensors won’t activate. The drone can travel up to 97km/h (60 mph). The drone can accelerate from 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in two seconds.

Manual (M) Mode: This is the most advanced mode and only recommended once you’ve gotten comfortable with FPV flight. Hovering and obstacle avoidance sensors are disabled though the Emergency Brake feature will still work. DJI has created a Virtual Flight app to help pilots prepare to fly this mode, which allows you to flip and roll the drone. The maximum specs is 140km/h (87 mph).

DJI’s OccuSync 3.0 technology allows for a clear digital feed with low latency.

There are several options for purchasing a DJI FPV drone. The standard FPV combo retails for $1,299 and includes the drone, remote controller 2, FPV Goggles V2, and one Intelligent Flight battery. The Fly More Kit includes two additional Intelligent Flight batteries and a dedicated charging hub for $299. The Motion Controller is sold separately for $199. All items are now available for purchase. DJI Care Refresh is also available, but keep in mind that it does not cover flyaways.